2023 Self-Care Toolkit
Tips to Help You Live Healthy and Well
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on January 19, 2023
2023 Self-Care Toolkit
Tips to Help You Live Healthy and Well
Posted by Medavie Blue Cross on January 19, 2023
Did you ring in the New Year by making resolutions for a healthier, happier 2023? This 2023 Self-Care Toolkit was created with wellness-focused individuals like you in mind. It’s filled with tips and tools to support your mental, physical and social wellbeing in the year ahead.
Establish a Routine
Stick to a daily schedule to help you stay focused and on track. Maintaining daily agendas and setting reminder notifications can help. Every morning, make a list of things you want to get done and if you can, log on and log off of work around the same time each day to support a work-life balance. However, don’t stress if your plan sometimes goes sideways. It’s bound to happen.
Eat Healthy
Eating well is fundamental to good health and well-being. When you do a grocery run, make smart food choices for you and your family. Stock up on nutritious fruits and vegetables to turn into delicious smoothies, salads, soups and stews. Make extra to store in the freezer and have on hand when your food supply runs low or you want to make a quick-and-easy meal.
Take Occasional Breaks
And not just to wash dishes or fold laundry. Schedule “me-time” into your weekends and even workdays. Allow time to look after your health and wellness — practice chair yoga and meditation to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Take a short nap if needed. Remember that as a caregiver, your care should come first in order to build your reserves of energy and resilience.
Take a Hike
We all get a little “shack wacky” at this time of year (especially in Canada, where winter-like weather can stretch through spring). A stroll, a jog or a bike ride through the neighbourhood are all great cabin fever relievers, plus sure-fire ways to keep the body in shape and the mind sharp.
Get creative
Not able to get outdoors? Whether it’s Wii bowling, baking cookies or doing a puzzle, there are lots of family fun ways to cure the winter blues – without having to leave the house. Google creative ideas for indoor activities.
Value family time
Speaking of spending quality time with family, sit down together for a meal and conversation at least once daily. Then, after the dishes are cleared from the table, set up a board game or deal out the cards for a game of Crazy 8s or cribbage.
Take a Hike
We all get a little “shack wacky” at this time of year (especially in Canada, where winter-like weather can stretch through spring). A stroll, a jog or a bike ride through the neighbourhood are all great cabin fever relievers, plus sure-fire ways to keep the body in shape and the mind sharp.
Get creative
Not able to get outdoors? Whether it’s Wii bowling, baking cookies or doing a puzzle, there are lots of family fun ways to cure the winter blues – without having to leave the house. Google creative ideas for indoor activities.
Value family time
Speaking of spending quality time with family, sit down together for a meal and conversation at least once daily. Then, after the dishes are cleared from the table, set up a board game or deal out the cards for a game of Crazy 8s or cribbage.
Get Some ZZZs
There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to rest and rejuvenate. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. Follow best practices in getting a decent amount of shut eye, like sticking to a regular bedtime and avoiding screen time one to two hours before hitting the hay.
Do a Digital Detox
It’s natural to want to keep up to date on the news or check your social media feeds for updates.. However, it’s important to unplug and unwind — at least once daily — to declutter your brain and recharge your batteries. This will also help prevent you from overloading your system with information that can cause anxiety or depression. Step away from the television and computer screens and the 24/7 news cycle.
Spark Joy
What activities bring you happiness? Is it curling up with a good book and a cup of tea? Playing or listening to music? Cuddling with your kids and or your pets? Do the things that spark joy, like returning to a favourite pastime or taking up a new hobby.
Get Some ZZZs
There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to rest and rejuvenate. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. Follow best practices in getting a decent amount of shut eye, like sticking to a regular bedtime and avoiding screen time one to two hours before hitting the hay.
Do a Digital Detox
It’s natural to want to keep up to date on the news or check your social media feeds for updates.. However, it’s important to unplug and unwind — at least once daily — to declutter your brain and recharge your batteries. This will also help prevent you from overloading your system with information that can cause anxiety or depression. Step away from the television and computer screens and the 24/7 news cycle.
Spark Joy
What activities bring you happiness? Is it curling up with a good book and a cup of tea? Playing or listening to music? Cuddling with your kids and or your pets? Do the things that spark joy, like returning to a favourite pastime or taking up a new hobby.
Seek Expert Help
Did you know that you can get healthcare from home? Connected Care, our digital health platform, offers several options to meet your healthcare needs – anytime, anywhere you are. Using your computer, tablet, or mobile device, you can connect with a Canadian doctor for consultation and treatment or with an accredited therapist for counselling and education services. Our employee and family assistance program, inConfidence, also offers services to help you deal with a range of work-life issues, with support available in person, by phone or online 24/7/365.
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, make sure to reach out and connect with others for advice and support.
Medavie Blue Cross is a premier all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits and administers federal and provincial government-sponsored health programs. Together with Medavie Health Services, we are part of Medavie, a health solutions partner committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. We are in the...